257
Loading page
Hanukkah
The eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple.
120
08
19
04
Festival Overview
What is Hanukkah?
The eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple.
ReligionJudaism
CategoryReligious
Celebrated inIsrael
Duration8 days
ReachWorldwide Jewish communities
History, Origin & Significance
The Story Behind Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE, when the Maccabees successfully recovered Jerusalem and the Second Temple.
Source: Wikipedia — Hanukkah
At a Glance
Celebration & Rituals
8 days of celebration
Observances stretch across 8 days of rituals and gatherings.
Lighting the menorah
The most recognisable custom of Hanukkah.
Worldwide Jewish communities
Communities across 1 country take part.
Latkes
A signature dish closely associated with the celebration.
Flavours of the Celebration
Food & Culture
No Hanukkah celebration is complete without its signature dishes, shared with family and community throughout the festivities.
LatkesSufganiyotFried foods in oil
Customs & Practices
Traditions
The customs practised during Hanukkah vary by region, but these are the most widely recognised.
Lighting the menorahDreidel gamesGift giving
Duration
Hanukkah Timeline
Day 1 — Opening · Dec 5, 2026
Lighting the menorah
Day 2
Dreidel games
Day 3
Gift giving
Day 4
Lighting the menorah
Day 5
Dreidel games
Day 6
Gift giving
Day 7
Lighting the menorah
Day 8 — Closing
Dreidel games
Where It's Celebrated
Location & Country Details
Celebrated In
🇮🇱 Israel
Primarily celebrated in Worldwide Jewish communities. Detailed country facts (capital, currency, languages) need a REST Countries API key configured — see .env.example.
Open in Google MapsPlan Your Visit
Travel Information
Best time to plan around
Typically celebrated in December.
Where to go
Israel
- Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, or shrines during observances.
- Many venues get crowded at peak prayer or ceremony times — arrive early.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Hanukkah falls on Dec 5, 2026 (estimated date — exact timing can vary by region or calendar reckoning).
Keep Exploring
